A spokesman for Brighton and Hove Albion FC said: "In relation to comments made by Gus Poyet on BBC Match of the Day last night, the club would like to point out that its disciplinary panel considered the matter on the afternoon of Friday 21st June and for most of Saturday 22nd June.

"The club spent much of Sunday 23rd June in discussion with Gus and his representatives. For legal reasons we cannot say anything about the content of those discussions but Gus was well aware, before he appeared on the BBC last evening, that his dismissal was pending.

"Given Gus has a right to appeal the decision to dismiss him, the club will not be making any further comment on this matter at this time."

Gus Poyet is set to launch an appeal against his dismissal as Brighton manager after he learned he had been sacked on live TV last night.

Brighton revealed Poyet's three-and-a-half-year tenure had been terminated following a decision by the npower Championship club's internal disciplinary panel into a, so far, unidentified matter.

The statement claimed the club had informed Poyet of the decision, however, the stunned boss refuted that live on air after learning the news while acting as a pundit on the BBC for the Confederations Cup.

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Brighton FC has issued this statement:"Gus Poyet has been informed today by Brighton & Hove Albion football club's internal disciplinary panel that his employment has been terminated with immediate effect.

"This followed his suspension, an investigation, and a subsequent formal disciplinary process.

"In line with the club's own procedures, and UK employment law, Mr Poyet now has a right of appeal. As such, the club will make no further comment on this matter or recent LMA statements at this time.

"Given the close proximity of the new season, the club will, in conjunction with its board, now seek to appoint an interim manager pending the outcome of a possible appeal."

Gus Poyet has been sacked as Brighton manager following a decision by the npower Championship club's internal disciplinary panel.

Brighton released a statement to confirm Poyet's departure tonight, a day before the players are due to report back for the first day of pre-season.

Poyet led Brighton to the play-offs last season but his tenure at the Amex Stadium had become uncertain after it was revealed that the Uruguayan, assistant manager Mauricio Taricco and coach Charlie Oatway were told to stay away from the club.

Brighton have remained tight-lipped over the reasons for taking the action, but today's decision comes after Poyet failed to attend a disciplinary hearing last week.